From Shopping Centers to Ugly Sweaters

From the Desk of the COO

On a monthly basis, the real estate industry hosts several different conferences around the country that bring together all of the major players to collaborate and introduce new skills, strategies, and ideas. Among these, the bi-annual ICSC Conference, held in Las Vegas every May and New York City every December, is by far the one that I look forward to most each year.

While each of these ICSC conferences contain their own unique vibe and atmosphere, there is something about New York City and being in the heart of Manhattan that makes the December gathering very intriguing and, in many ways, exhilarating. Between the more intimate setting of the venue, the overall holiday atmosphere, and the sense of another year coming to an end, the energy is truly invigorating.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of being accompanied by ten excellent department heads here at Stark who are all experts in their respective field. From finance, to development, to leasing, operations, marketing, and more we truly had our “A” team together. Throughout the two-day conference we worked tirelessly to meet, strategize, and collaborate with others in the industry, as well as showcase what Stark Enterprises has accomplished over this past year.

Additionally, I was honored to be invited to represent one of the Top 100 CEOs of global commercial real estate at a dinner before the conference kicked off. Looking around the room and discussing business with fellow leaders from companies headquartered all over the world, I was very proud to serve as a representative of Stark Enterprises and share the mission of our family-run, Cleveland-based company that continues to make an impact on a national, and global, level.

After the conference drew to a close, the team and I returned to Cleveland to attend our company-wide ugly sweater holiday luncheon. As I gave my “state of the union” address highlighting the accomplishments of 2018 and the opportunities for 2019, I was again reminded just how special this company really is and the importance of the small moments with the people around me who help make all the big picture conferences and global accolades possible. I could not think of a more appropriate way to end the year.